HOPE: Never Give Up

HOPE  

'Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,

And sings the tune without the words,

And never stops at all.'

Emily Dickinson 

HOPE

'Stay positive and happy. 

Work hard and don't give up hope. 

Be open to criticism and keep learning. 

Surround yourself with happy, warm and genuine people.'

Tena Desae

HOPE

'Infuse your life with action. 

Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. 

Make your own future. Make your own hope. 

Make your own love.'

Bradley Whitford

Hope

'Hope is being able to see that 

there is light despite all of the darkness.'

Desmond Tutu

Never Give Up

'There was never a night or a problem 

that could defeat sunrise or hope.'

Bernard Williams

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.

Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

What to do while Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop~Stop Waiting, Of Course!

'Before you criticize someone, 
you should walk a mile in their shoes. 
That way when you criticize them, 
you are a mile away from them, 
and you have their shoes.' 

Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts

Stop That!

Shedding Light on 'Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop'

Yes, it's time to put a little levity in whatever moment of darkness you have been concocting in your mind as you've been 'waiting for the other shoe to drop' in your life. 

For me, a week doesn't go by without something making the pit of my stomach drop as my mind anticipates the other shoe. Since I really hate that feeling, my mind naturally looks for ways to step beyond the waiting to taking action. And humor always seems to help.

What about you? What bit of bad news have you been waiting for? Wouldn't you like to step beyond it, too? Then come with me as I think through changing my own mindset.

No Drama Beginnings

Ordinary Origins: 'Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop'

'Waiting for the other shoe to drop' is such an interesting old-time saying. After recently hearing it used I decided to explore what's behind the saying and examine how we might rework our human habit of anticipating 'the worst' to create a more positive approach to moving forward with life.

Waiting for the other shoe to drop has come to mean waiting for something really bad to happen after we've already experienced one 'bad' event. Rather than moving on 'after disaster hits' we wait around for 'the inevitable other shoe to drop' while carrying around that bad feeling in the pit of our stomach. 

But the saying actually originated as a less-than-dramatic response to an ordinary situation during the late 19th and early 20th century.

Apparently in New York City tenements it was common for apartments to be built with one bedroom directly under another on the floor above. As the story goes, the tenet below would hear a neighbor removing his shoes as they hit the floor above. After one shoe hit the floor, the neighbor below would be 'waiting for the other shoe to drop'. Not very dramatic, is it?

When are you going to drop the other shoe?

The Uban Dictionary illustrated how the term dropped into being with this silly rendition:

'A guest who checked into an inn one night was warned to be quiet because the guest in the room below his was a light sleeper. As he undressed for bed, he dropped one shoe, which, sure enough, awakened the other guest. He managed to get the other shoe off in silence, and got into bed. An hour later, he heard a pounding on the floor and a shout: "When are you going to drop the other shoe?" Thus the term waiting for the other shoe to drop.'

Stop Waiting

Snap Out of It and Move On


'Waiting for the other shoe to drop' is an expression that aptly describes how we passively wait for things outside our control to determine what happens to us next. This is a very dis-empowering stance to take in life.

So when we find ourselves in that place of waiting for the other shoe to drop what can we do to move out of it faster? 

We can move out of that fear-producing stance by actively take charge of our next steps--including reinterpreting what's coming when the other shoe drops. We can choose to move into action.

Stop waiting. Start imagining a different shoe to put on and move on.

Lucky Horse Shoe Falling into your lap

Make Your Own Luck

Why not anticipate the other shoe to drop will be a lucky one? Or one to bring you joy?

Try bringing out your inner dog and anticipate your future with enthusiasm. 

Oh boy! A shoe! My favorite!

If you only look for bad things to show up, you'll only see bad things when they arrive and totally miss the good that regularly drops in your lap. If you switch to looking for good things coming next, you may actually see something good on the horizon.

We all start from a place of waiting for the other shoe to drop. The challenge is for us to find ways to move out of the fearful place sooner  so we can see the good stuff coming our way. 

Determine Your Own Way

Imagine the Shoe is a Boot and Pull Yourself Up by the Bootstraps

As long as we're waiting, we're not moving forward. As long as we're looking for the other shoe to drop, we've taken our eyes off our goals and dreams. 

Don't ever forget you are the master of your own life. You can greatly determine your own way by staying focused on what you want to make happen in your life and consistently taking action in the direction you want to go no matter what shoe drops.

Don't wait around for things to happen to you. Take a step--any step--in the direction you want yourself to go.

Imagine the other shoe to drop is a boot, pull yourself up by the bootstraps, and take charge.

Imagine the Shoe is Cinderella's Slipper

Don't forget when Cinderella's other shoe dropped she found her prince. 

Cinderella's story is proof that when the other shoe drops your life can change for the better.

'Give a girl the right shoe and she can conquer the world.' Marilyn Monroe

Imagine when the Other Shoe Drops You Walk Away

When that shoe drops get ready to walk away. 

Put those shoes on and walk away from drama as fast as you can. 

Don't linger in a bad situation. Step into action and keep on moving.


Imagine Life Throws You Dancing Shoes

'Please send me your last pair of shoes, 

worn out with dancing as

you mentioned in your letter, 

so that I might have something 

to press against my heart.'

 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Let Life Drop You Soft Bunny Slippers   

Be on the look out for the soft pink bunny slippers to be the next shoe to drop.  And if the slippers fit, wear them. Take time to relax in your comfy slippers knowing you can handle life calmly.


Say yes to the universe and accept everything life puts in front of you. Trust you can handle whatever life brings. Be confident and strong knowing all things seemingly good or bad work in your favor. 

'Even in the mud and scum of things, something always, always sings.' Ralph Waldo Emerson

Stand Tall 

Yours are Big Shoes to Fill

If the Shoe Fits, Wear it

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.

Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Don't Worry~Be Happy: How Happiness and Giving to Others Affects Your Health

Why You shouldn't Worry about Your Health

Feeling low? Worried about your health? Want a way to get out of your funk? Happiness research points the way. 

Powerful and uplifting links between our health and happiness have emerged in recent years, empowering us to worry less and enjoy life more--if we heed the message. 

In a nutshell:

If you want to live a longer, healthier life develop a more optimistic outlook by creating a sense of purpose and finding a way to 'do good' by giving to others.

Being happy and satisfied in life, and having an optimistic attitude is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. One study found having a sense of purpose reduced your chances of having a stroke by 44 percent. Cancer survivors who have a sense of purpose in life live longer.

While worrying and fretting about your health may feel like the right thing to do when an issue arises, stressing over your health can make matters worse as your stress hormones rise and inflame the situation. The better, more effective path is to calmly seek help and solutions.   

Worrying Yourself Sick

Don't give in to 'worrying yourself sick' when something's up with your health. Face it. Seek medical help when necessary. And talk to trusted friends and family about your fears. Choose to act calmly for yourself no matter what's up. Pursuing calm and relaxation when you're dealing with illness or pain can only make things better; letting worry, fear and stress overwhelm you only makes things worse.

Create a Sense of Purpose and Focus for Good Health

Putting yourself out there in life and going after what you want is a risk. The courage to risk comes from discovering what matters to you. 

Start by defining what you want out of life at this juncture so you can better guide your choices and daily actions. What you care about matters--it is the wind in your sails propelling you forward into a long, healthy satisfying life.

Discover what matters to you so you can:

💙 Concentrate your limited time and energy on those things that count.

💛 Plan your life so you feel more control over the things that matter to you.

💜 Create a sense of urgency for the things that are most important to you.

Lay the Foundation for Your Health and Happiness 

We all need others to support us when we're feeling fearful or ill. Having social support is a very important part of living a healthy life--especially when we're feeling a bit shaky. 

It's comforting to know there is someone out there who cares about us and is willing to gently help us over the humps and bumps in life.  

But surprise, surprise--giving support to others also makes us feel good--even better than our getting support from them. According to studies, we are happier, more energetic and develop better friendships when we reach out to 'do good' for others.

 But giving to others doesn't just make us feel good. In addition to decreasing our chances of getting depressed, giving to others improves our ability to think, strengthens our heart, lowers our stress and increases our lifespan.

Giving to others makes us happy. It is the doing for others that keeps us connected, provides our lives meaning, and extends our lifespan.

Do Good unto Others to Do Good unto Yourself

Did You Know?

💓 High levels of social support are as predictive of longevity as exercise, while low levels of social support are as detrimental to your health as high blood pressure?

💙 There's a high correlation between the amount of social support you perceive you have and your level of happiness?

💚 In the workplace the greatest predictor of your job satisfaction and engagement is the amount of social support you perceive you have. (And your productivity is directly related to your job satisfaction and engagement.)

We've known for decades the amount of social support you have greatly affects your health and longevity. But in more recent years a surprising tidbit has emerged.

The amount of social support you give is more important than the amount you get.

You do not need to rely on the actions of others to increase your health and happiness. You can positively affect your own well-being by reaching out and supporting others.

'It turns out, that giving feels better, does more for you, and provides greater returns in the long run, than getting ever does.'

 Shawn Achor, The Happiness Advantage

Be the change you want to see--do good for someone else while uplifting and improving your health at the same time. Get out of yourself to lend a hand, provide a listening ear, or give a moment of kindness. 

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.

Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Stay on Track: Focus Your Efforts to Expand Your Opportunities

Who Are You--and What are You Trying to Achieve in Life? 

Yes, I know--perhaps that's an overwhelming question you may prefer to avoid. But to live a life of purpose and meaning you must figure out what that looks like and the best way for you to get there. 

Too often we travel a scattered and unfocused path to go after our dreams and achieve our goals--sending us down rabbit holes, on wild goose chases, and ultimately leaving us befuddled and exhausted. 

If You're not Trying to get Somewhere Meandering is Fun

Don't get me wrong--if you're not trying to get to a destination, meandering is fun and it can be a delightful part of life. But when you're feeling frustrated because you can't seem to make progress on something of importance to you, then these tangents only serve to distract you from getting where it is you want to go and achieving what you want to achieve.

You Alone Hold the Key

When it matters to you to make forward progress, know you alone hold the key to keeping your energy up while staying on track with your dreams and goals.

And what is the key to putting your time and effort to the best use?

 ....Making a beeline for your dreams and goals by eliminating distractions and concentrating your efforts. In a word: FOCUS.

Making a Beeline toward Your Dreams

Like others, you want the grace and strength to determine your own actions as you make your way in life rather than allowing others to dictate your path.  

To gain the freedom to determine your own actions and make a beeline towards your dreams you'll need to think and act purposefully. 

Where is it you want to go and what are the actions that'll get you there?

Be Direct. Bees fly a direct route--or beeline--to their destination. 

Make a beeline to where you're heading by developing a strategic plan to purposely focus on making daily progress in the direction you're moving, while deliberately eliminating activities distracting you and zapping your energy.  

Avoid wasting your most precious resources--your time and effort--on activities that are tempting but distracting. 

Say NO to what isn't worth doing, and say YES to the activities that that move you closer to your desired destination. 

Conserve your energy by focusing your efforts to expand your opportunities.

🕗 Look for strategic opportunities to focus your energy and attention on--Things that matter. 

🕙 Eliminate activities that serve as distractions and time wasters getting in your way.

Make Sweet Honey from Your Old Failures

To stay on track to achieving your goals and dreams you must concentrate your efforts on things that matter to you. Learn to say NO to engaging in activities that lead you nowhere and drain your energy--including fixating on failure. 

Make a beeline for your dreams instead to sweeten the outcome and lessen the effort. Save your time and energy for the things that matter most. Make life sweet.

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.


Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list. 

Tired of Working to Get Somewhere Only to Wonder Where You Got? Keep Your Eye on the Goal

Girl Having Worked Real Hard to Get Somewhere.... 

Now Wondering Where Exactly It Is She Got

Moving From Filled with Enthusiasm

To Filled with Doubt

What's a Girl to Do? 

You're that 'Go-Getter Girl' wanting to get somewhere putting your mark on the world and making a difference. So you go after it  and work really hard to get there. But after finally landing the position you wanted, here you are--again--feeling stuck--wondering where exactly you got. 

What's a girl to do?

Life is a Bumpy Ride filled with Obstacles

'If you're going through Hell...just keep going.' Winston Churchill

This is the thing about life--it's a bumpy ride filled with obstacles. With life being what it is, sometimes our dreams collide with a reality that's a bit different than we imagined it. But as Winston Churchill once quipped, 'If you're going through Hell...just keep going.' We hone our problem-solving and communication skills each time we navigate difficulties. 

So what's a girl to do when she runs into difficulties?  Keep going. Take the next step. Buck up. Get back in there and figure out your options for moving forward.

Henry Ford noted, 'Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.' When you meet a moment of difficulty and self doubt, learn to interpret it as your cue to refocus your attention on your goals and away from the obstacles.

'Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.' Henry Ford 

Re-framing for Better Results: From Obstacles to Challenges

If you let them, obstacles will stop you in your tracks. But if you re-imagine obstacles as challenges you'll energize yourself to find your strength and smarts to step up to the challenge to stay on course and do better. Renaming obstacles as challenges puts your eyes back on your goals. 

Accept daily life challenges as the normal part of life that make you stronger and more competent each time you choose to problem-solve your way through them. 

Find ways to use your current challenges to move you further toward what you want--even if the message is 'I've had enough and it's time to move on to the next opportunity'.

Your patience and persistence in pursuing your goals will lead to pay-offs. Trust your inner strength and willingness to always take the next step to meet life challenges.

Trust me--you got this, Girl!

'If you find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.' Frank A. Clark

Keep Your Eye on the Goal

Forward Thinking: Imagining Your Life Ahead

💓 It's 5 years down the road and I'm still with this company: What made me stay? What does the job look like? What do the hours, pay and benefits look like? How does the job fit my lifestyle?

💔 It's 5 years down the road and I long ago left the company: What happened to make me move on? What was I dissatisfied with in the company? Hours? Pay? Benefits? Management Style? Lack of Advancement Opportunities? Poor job fit for my skills?

💓 It's 5 years down the road and I'm loving my work: What am I doing? Where am I doing it? How much money am I making? 

Current Thinking to Align with Your Goals 

💙 Why did I take my current job? How do/did I see it as a stepping stone for advancing? What's my 5 year plan?  

💚 What am I willing to do differently to make more money, utilize my talents better, or have more satisfaction in my work? Who can I ask for advice? 

💛 What have I learned in this job? What skills have I built or honed I can use to promote myself for my next position? How has this experience shown me I can handle whatever life throws me with grace and ease? How will I be strengthened by my experience with this job that will make me better for the next one?

💜 How can I make the best use of my time while I'm still in this job to help me move to a better position? Is there job training I can take advantage of? Can I ask to take on a job or project so I can learn something new? Can I use this time to self-study for a licensing exam to position me for more money or opportunity? Can I speak up about the type of training/instruction I need to better function in the job?

I love moving my life forward

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For more than 35 years, Susan Meyerott has been helping people lighten up and step over invisible barriers to change one step at a time. She speaks to your heart, puts you at ease, and makes letting go and moving forward with life easier than ever before.


Do you know someone who could benefit from uplifting messages? Please share Lightarted Living with them. If you or someone you love is interested in learning more about closing the gap between where you are now and where you want to be, join the FREE Lightarted Living mailing list.